The Dream of the Iron Dragon

An Alternate History Viking Epic (Saga of the Iron Dragon, Book 1)

By: Robert Kroese

Narrated by: J. D. Ledford

Length: 14 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Trapped 1,300 years in the past, they have one mission: survive.

In the 23rd century, humanity has been hunted to the verge of extinction by an alien race. When an exploratory ship accidentally travels back in time to Viking-age Scandinavia, the human race is given a second chance. Pursued by the power-hungry King Harald, the four surviving crew members join a ragtag band of Vikings as they pillage their way across Europe. It will take all their ingenuity, courage, and technical know-how just to survive. But survival is only the beginning. To save humanity, they must somehow return to the stars.

Thus begins a decades-long effort to teach the Vikings to build a craft capable of reaching space - a ship that will come to be known as the Iron Dragon.

The Dream of the Iron Dragon is the first installment in the Iron Dragon trilogy. The sequel, The Dawn of the Iron Dragon, was released in June 2018. The saga will conclude with The Voyage of the Iron Dragon in December 2018.

The Iron Dragon trilogy is being produced as part of the phenomenally successful Saga of the Iron Dragon Kickstarter, which raised more than $10,000. Meticulously researched and packed with action, The Dream of the Iron Dragon is a must for sci-fi and alternate history fans.

©2018 Robert Kroese (P)2018 Robert Kroese

Critic reviews

"Terrific storytelling, letter-perfect alternate-history, and the highest stakes for humanity imaginable combine to make this a thrilling start to an exciting new Viking saga. Kroese avoids both romanticizing and demonizing the Vikings, showing them to us in all their humanity, while spinning a tale that pulls no punches and leaves us gasping for more." (Lars Hedbor, author)

Science fiction crash lands into history.

This audiobook experience was as wonderful as it was attention grabbing. Alternative histories, space warfare, and time travel are not exactly new roads for the imagination to travel down anymore, so it can take something a bit extra to make a story really stand out. The way this story was written in a balance of creative thinking and action is so impressively smooth that even the most distracted listener will be dragged into the scenario.

J.D Ledford's narration is brilliant; bringing a depth to the writing and character's emotional states that might not have been noticeable otherwise. The story itself makes one think and consider the consequences of the characters' actions; If raw advanced knowledge is power, then what value, protection and risk does that offer the knowledgeable in a time of primitive conquest and violence? This book might have been first entry to an upcoming series, but it does make an impression that leaves the imagination yerning for book 2.

This book is recommended to listeners who would love a creative exercise laid out within an action setting.

Amazing!

This was such a fun mix of sci-fi and history. Good world-building, interesting characters, solid descriptive writing, fascinating use of science and technology, unexpected plot twists. The narration was good, but could use more variety of pacing and clearer breaks between ideas.Excellent vocal characterization. Also clean enough I'm thinking of adding it to my science loving kid's account.

Science Fiction and Vikings, WOW!

No question, my finger hovered over the buy button many times and I thought, well if I don't like the book, I can always return it back to Audible.
This is really a great story with fantastic characters and a complex story line. The presentation is extremely well done as J.D. Ledford brings the story to life.
I can't wait until the third book makes it to Audible. Hurry it up please!

compelling as all hell!!

At first the voices are a little to get used to but it's so gripping

awesome book!

really enjoyed this book, I can't wait to get the next book and enjoy it

Great story, excellent narration

Story was not in my typical genre but i really loved it. The narrator was probably the best female narrator I’ve heard do male voices. Excellent all around.

Huge Kroese fan. I approve.

I'm a huge Kroese fan and have probably listened to Starship Grifters more than a dozen times, plus at least 10 others by him. This one lacks the humor and satire you might be used to but it is still highly enjoyable. JD does a great job narrating.

strong story, looking forward to II

the performance was excellent, my download has a few small but annoying skips (about 8) but the characters were performed well, The story is gritty and engaging,

Captivating viking scifi

I have read 10+ of Kroese"s novels and this is by far his best. As a Scandinavian with a masters in physics and minor in chemistry this saga resonates with me on a level most stories can't. My only negative comment is the multiple times I cringed when the vikings were described (condescendingly) as bronze age people. The Scandinavian bronze age ended 300 years before. But I chalk it up the Spacemen"s lack of perspective. And it does not in any way detract from the story. Of to read book two.

What a great book!

I can’t wait for more. This is going to be wonderful. Thank you for a wonderfully
fun book.